Missing in Action and Military Appreciation Day Tomorrow

I'm sorry I haven't been posting lately, but I actually moved last month off of Fort Ord and into downtown Monterey. That does mean that I won't be able to post Pinnacle Information anymore. That being said, I will still try and do research to share any military events that I find out about.

One such event is Military Appreciation Day TOMORROW, June 4th at the Del Monte Center. There are a bunch of planned activities, discounts and the like. Take your whole family as the lineup looks to be very exciting. Click below on the link for the flyer

Del Monte Center Military Appreciation Day Flyer

Show the Del Monte Center that military events are worth the effort and expense and that the military community here appreciates the support. Hope to see you there!

St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Activities

Please join in and celebrate the coming St. Patrick's day holiday with Pinnacle. From 1600-1800 at Fitch Community Center on Thursday, March 17, Pinnacle will be hosting St. Patty's Day Crafts and Activities. All craft supplies and snacks will be provided. Try your luck at being crafty and you might find a pot o' gold at the end of your rainbow!

March Fitness and Welness Schedule is UP

The March schedule is jam packed with all your favorite classes. There are a few schedule highlights/changes so take note:

Fitness Classes
• Outdoor adventures: An extreme hike at Garrapata Park on Saturday 3/12 at 10am for those that would like a challenge. I have hiked this mountain and it is intense but the views are worth it! The group is car pooling for this hike. For more information contact Pinnacle.
• A family hike to Garland Ranch is planned for Saturday 3/19 at 11am. The family hike at Garland will have shuttle service provided. Contact jprosser@pinnaclefamily.com.
• I am teaching an additional Masala Bhangra class on Thursdays at Fitch Community Center at 6:30 pm. Yeah! But do take note, Masala Bhangra at La Mesa on Wednesday 3/9 class will be at the Activity Center at 1280 Leahy Road & is canceled for Wednesday 3/30.
• Zumbatomics will be outside weather permitting on Wed 3/30.
• Morning yoga at Fitch is canceled on Friday 3/4.

Wellness
• Family Movie Night at La Mesa is scheduled for 3/10 at 6pm. Bring your family and get comfortable!
• Breakfast-on-the-Go is on for March 24! Stop by your local Pinnacle Office for a quick bite to jump start your day.
• Zumba is canceled at La Mesa on Thur 3/10.

Porter Youth Center Sports- for more information contact the Porter Youth Center or consult this week's Pinnacle Bulletin

Track and Field
Registration – February 28^th – April 1^st
Practices – April 5^th – June 9^th
Local meets – April 30^th – June 11^th
Ages 5-14 are welcome to participate but must be registered with Parent Central Services and have a current sports physical. $40 first child, $34 each additional.

Youth Baseball
Registration January 18^th – March 9^th
Season – Begins in April and concludes in June
Ages 3-12 are welcome to participate but must be registered with Parent Central Services and have a current sports physical. $45 first child, $38 each additional.

February Schedule Is Up!

I apologize to everyone for not posting as often. I just recently started a full time job with Monterey County and things have still been crazy since the holiday exodus. Now that New Year's Resolutions have come and gone, remind yourselves to stay focused and attentive to being active and eating well. Pinnacle has increased the number of classes and changed some times around to make things more convenient.

A few changes to note:

• Monday's Yoga in Motion class is BEFORE Zumba and a great warm-up to a cardio class or fun on it's own.
• Body Combat and Yoga classes at Fitch Community Center have FREE daycare in the Community Center building so don't let it be an excuse not to work out!

February Highlights:

• Family Movie Night continues at La Mesa on Thursday, February 17th.
• Celebrate Valentine's Day with a home-made box at the Valentines Day craft session on Friday, February 4th at La Mesa!!
  
• Friday February 11 is Wine and Chocolate tasting. Contact Pinnacle for more details.
  
• Running out to work? Grab a free Breakfast-on-the-Go on the 25th at your local housing office.
  

Darryl Worley Concert- THIS SATURDAY

The Darryl Worley Concert is this Saturday. Shuttles from the Presidio of Monterey and throughout OMC will begin at 1600. The concert begins at 1800. There will be food vendors as well as an FRG food booth to support military families. Come hear some great music and have a good time. For more information, including shuttle pick-up and drop-off points, click here. The concert is free admission so take advantage of this exciting event!

ACS Marketing Makeover Event!!

Army Community Services (ACS) is hosting an exciting Marketing Makeover event.

When: Friday, November 19th 10:00 am-12:00 pm.
Where: Gold Room, Stilwell Community Center, Building 4260 (corner of Gigling Rd. and General Jim Moore)
What: Participants will be asked to give feedback on how ACS can improve their marketing to Monterey military residents, and in exchange will be eligible to win hundreds of dollars worth of bath and body products.

If you are interested, call 831-242-7660 to sign up and FREE DAYCARE is available.

Town Hall Meetings This Week!

Quarterly Town Hall Meetings are happening at La Mesa and Fort Ord.

These meetings are hosted by the Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander and Garrison Command Sergeant Major, COL Brewer and CSM Martinez. Refreshments will be provided along with Island’s gift card giveaways.

When: Tuesday, November 16^th from 6-7PM

Where: La Mesa Community Center Meeting Room

Who: Presidio of Monterey and La Mesa Village

When: Thursday, November 18^th from 630-730 PM

Where: OMC Activity Center – 201 Noumea Road

Who: Ord Military Community

Marine Spouses Meet and Greet- TOMORROW

I'm sorry I am so late in posting it, but for all you Marine Spouses, there is our monthly Meet and Greet at 201 Noumea Road on Fort Ord. It will be at 10am and refreshments are available. Children are welcome to attend as there are plenty of kids activities in the back yard. We will have the usual schedules, and go over details for next week's ball. We will also be discussing formalizing our organization and open volunteer positions for those who want to become more active in the Marine Community here on base. Come and spend time with fellow Marine spouses. We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, you can email marinespousemonterey@gmail.com

Pumpkin Giveaway by Pinnacle!!!

On Monday, October 18^th, 2010 we will be giving away 100 free pumpkins to the Military Residents of The Parks of Monterey Bay. For a chance to win email your name, address, and two phone numbers to kgordon@pinnaclefamily.com .

Don’t forget to bring your carved pumpkin to be judged at our Safety Spooktacular event on October 30^th at the La Mesa Village Community Center.

Family Movie Night Info

Pinnacle holds a family movie night each month, one at La Mesa, and one at Fitch Community Center. Here is the information for this month's movie nights. And don't forget, it's FREE!

WHERE: La Mesa Ballroom

WHEN: Oct. 14^th

TIME: Movie starts at 6:30pm

MOVIE: Tinker bell & the Great Fairy Rescue – Rated G

Please view details at:

http://www.blockbuster.com/browse/catalog/movieDetails/482074

WHERE: Fitch Community Center

WHEN: Oct. 21^st

TIME: Movie starts at 6:30pm

MOVIE: Scooby Doo! Camp Scare

Please view details at:

http://www.blockbuster.com/browse/catalog/movieDetails/490996

FOCUS Group Reminder- TOMORROW

Tomorrow night at the OMC Activity Center, Pinnacle will be holding another Focus Group to discuss the Pinnacle Difference Program with Fort Ord residents. They are interested in getting more junior enlisted military and their families at Pinnacle events and classes. They will be discussing scheduling, conflicts, attendance, and want your feedback to tailor the program so YOU will attend. With your help, the Pinnacle Difference program will improve. Refreshments were available at the last focus group (sandwiches, drinks and snacks).

Where: OMC Activity Center 201 Noumea Rd (pumpkin colored house at the corner of Noumea and Monterey Rds)
When: 1800-1900
Parking is available on the street. The entrance to the house is on Noumea Rd.

Famly Fun Fitness event this SATURDAY!

The Defense Commissary Agency will host one of the largest partnerships in military resale and outreach history with the unveiling of the Family Fun Fitness Festival. This event offers the military community worldwide smorgasbord of commissary case lot sales, exchange sidewalk sales; and Family and Morale & Recreation fitness activities. You will also find demos and music and industry sponsored nutritious food samples, prize giveaways and discount coupons. Join us for a 2 mile walk/run where the first 225 participating kids crossing the finish line will receive special medals. Lots of food drinks and fun!

Pinnacle Focus Group 10/5

If you live on Fort Ord or in La Mesa, please take part in the upcoming focus group from Pinnacle. On October 5th, Pinnacle and a representative from the Army Residential Communities Initiative will be hosting a focus group to get feedback. Refreshments will be provided and you will be asked questions on how Pinnacle can better serve our community. This includes hosting community events for military families as well as refining the health and wellness program to encourage greater attendance, especially from junior enlisted couples and families. Here are the details:
When: October 5th, 2010 from 1800-1900
Where: OMC Activity Center- 201 Noumea Rd. This is the pumpkin colored house at the corner of Noumea and Monterey Rds. Parking is available on street. The entrance to the house is on Noumea Rd.
Help provide feedback so that community programs not only continue to be offered, but also grow into something your whole family can enjoy!

Infamous One Call- Can You Hear Me Now?

Do you spend most of your time on Fort Ord or La Mesa? Do you live in Pinnacle Housing? Now here is the most important question: do you know about the over 100 events hosted by Pinnacle for the military families throughout the year?

I am guessing your answer is NO. If it is, I am also going to guess why. When you signed your lease with the Pinnacle leasing office, most everything is in the active duty person's name. As the spouse, you rarely initialed or signed anything. HOWEVER, there was a paper called One-Call. It was probably described to you as the phone number and email Pinnacle will use in case there is an emergency. So you probably did what we did, and said, "okay, put the active duty person's information." (I am 5'2" on a good day. I can do little to stop a fire or stave off an emergency situation.)

Here is the BUT, and it is a BIG BUT!! The One-Call is also used to send out weekly information via email about all the upcoming events hosted and paid for by Pinnacle for military families. The schedule of free exercise classes is also sent out for the month so you can take advantage of them. As the holiday season approaches, two big, must go-to events are going to take place: the Halloween Spooktacular and the Winter Wonderland.

So, if you want to add your information to the One-Call, because frankly, like me, you are in charge of scheduling your family's free time, call or stop by the leasing office and have your information added. You will feel much more informed!

Marine Spouses Meet and Greet

There will be a Meet and Greet for Marine Spouses in the Monterey area. Here are the details:
When: Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 1100
Where: OMC Activity Center (Fort Ord) located at 201 Noumea Rd. It is the pumpkin colored house at the corner of Noumea and Monterey Rds.
Why: Meet other Marine spouses, find out information, ask questions, and find out about the Marine Corps Detachment at DLI/NPS. Let's build a strong Marine community together!

We will also have copies of the July ACS calendar as well as an orientation packet we've developed for spouses in the Monterey area. Coffee and refreshments will be available. Children are more than welcome to come!

ARE YOU PAYING TOO MANY MEDICAL BILLS?

Photo courtesy of triwest.com

Health Insurance
So I found out that not everyone has the same information about medical insurance once you move out here so I hope this post is both accurate and helpful. When you get your military ID card from DEERS, you are automatically enrolled in Tricare basic.

Tricare basic= you may have to pay a copay, you may get billed after a doctor's visit, emergency room visits may incur out of pocket expenses.

If you go to the Tricare/Triwest office (in the Monterey area it is located at ACS on the corner of Gigling Road and General Jim Moore Blvd on Ord Military Community), you can sign up for FREE for TriWest Prime.

TriWest Prime= no copays, few if any out of pocket expenses

If you enroll before the 20th of each month, your registration will be effective the first of the following month. If you enroll after the 20th, you have to wait an extra month for your enrollment to be active (dependents only- changes to active duty are effective immediately)

Triwest Prime works like an HMO where you designate a primary care doctor and then get referrals from that doctor to see specialists (dermatologists, physical therapy, etc.). Once you are enrolled, you can register at www.triwest.com and get all the paperwork and authorizations, referrals, etc. online.

If you were enrolled in Tricare Prime BEFORE coming to the West Coast, you still have to enroll in TriWest. You might be able to do it online, but if you live on Fort Ord, it is just as easy to stop by ACS and enroll at the TriWest office. They also have an active list of doctors who are accepting new patients in the area. These are my basic understandings and I hope this helps all of you.

Prescriptions
If you are like me, and have filled prescriptions before joining the military community, you go to Walgreens, or CVS, pay $3 and think "What a Deal!" A deal would be paying NOTHING, and it is possible!

On DLI there is a health clinic (click here for a map). At the health clinic, only active duty military and small children can be seen at the medical facility. However, the health clinic has a pharmacy. The walk-in clinic looks like the trailer, and is attached to the medical office building with a columned entrance. Walk through that entrance and the pharmacy is to the left. If you bring your prescription to the pharmacy and they carry the medicine, you show your ID, wait and pay NOTHING. The only downside is that it is open during military hours which usually means if you have a 9-5 job you may not make it, but your spouse may be able to pick up the prescription for you. If they don't carry the medication, then you are off to the chain pharmacy and the $3.

Have you been paying too much? Do not worry. KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS. Your out of pocket medical expenses should be tax deductible so it isn't a total waste. That's all the information I have so far, please feel free to comment, correct or add.

May Yard Sale Update

Okay everyone, details are in for the Yard Sale to be held on May 1, 2010 from 1000-1300 at Fort Ord.

• Early Bird passes may be purchased for 0915 admission, for $5/ea during registration or $10/ea at the gate.
• Registration to sell is open to all Active Duty, Retirees and DoD Employees. (ID required)
• Registration begins Monday, April 19, 2010 and will be held in the Mayoral Office (ACS building between Tri-Care and CYSS) at the following times:
  Mondays & Wednesdays - 1000 - 1300
  Tuesdays & Thursdays - 1800 - 2000
  Friday, April 30, 2010 - 1000 - 1300 & 1800 - 2000
• Cost for sellers varies depending on duty status, location, etc.
• Questions? email ordyardsale@gmail.com
• As a reminder, here is a map of how to get to the yard sale:
  
  

New to the Area and Waiting for your Personal Items?

I got this flyer with my welcome packet about the ACS Lending Closet. This would have been helpful to know when I entertained 8 Marines for Thanksgiving in an empty house, but maybe this will help some of you.

If you are here at OCS, but haven't gotten your personal items delivered yet, you do NOT have to run around to Walmart, Target and Ross to buy things you know are waiting for you in that truck. There is an ACS Lending Closet where you can borrow things like Card Tables & Chairs, Futons, Playpens and Strollers, Coffee Makers, and other household items until your delivery arrives.

For more information about the Lending Closet, call ACS at 831.242.7660! Take advantage of this because I definitely regret that I didn't!

Fitch Community Center March Schedule

The fitness class schedule for March should be up on the calendar gadget to the right of the blog. Right now the classes posted are all at Fitch Community Center with the exception of the intro Hip Hop class (see below). The schedule has pretty much stayed the same except that the February bootcamp class on Thursdays is now a Kickboxing class on Thursday mornings (except March 11th). Next week I will add the classes that are held at La Mesa for those who want to trek over there. The fitness group is also hosting some intro sessions for new classes this month.

3/17 at La Mesa: Hip Hop class at 1830
3/26 at La Mesa: Beginning salsa workshop at 1630
3/27 at Fitch CC: Beginning salsa workshop at 1500

As a reminder, Kindermusic classes are NOT free. There is monthly enrollment. If you are interested, contact L. Brown at 831.383.9818

RAIN OR SHINE: Yard Sale is On!

The OMC Yard sale is still on for tomorrow, rain or shine.

10:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Free admission to shop OR
Register for an Early Bird Pass and get access at 9:15 AM

Early Bird Passes (cash only): $10 at the gate for patrons 16 and older

For more information, email ordyardsale@gmail.com or leave a message at (831) 242-5055 and someone will get back to you.
Directions
They day of the event, look for signs directing you to the Yard Sale Lot from General Jim Moore Blvd.

Here's the map again: